Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day

Tags: State News Important Days

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the state's 37th statehood day on February 20.

An overview of the news

• Every year 20 February is celebrated as the foundation day of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Through the 55th Amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1986, Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of the India on February 20, 1987.

Historical Background

• During British colonial rule, until 1972, the state was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).

• It became a Union Territory on January 20, 1972 and was named Arunachal Pradesh.

• It was given full statehood by the Arunachal Pradesh State Act, 1986.

• It was formed in the year 1987 by separating from Assam.

Geographical Situation

• Arunachal Pradesh is bounded by Bhutan in the west and the Tibetan region of China in the north.

• It is bounded by Nagaland and Myanmar in the South-Eastern region and Assam in the South-Western region.

• Capital - Itanagar

Demography

• Literacy rate of the state (as per Census 2011) 65.38% with male literacy rate 72.55% and females 57.70%.

• Sex Ratio - 938 female per 1000 male (National- 943)

• State Animal - Mithun (also known as Gayal)

• State Bird - Hornbill

Protected Areas

• Talle Wildlife Sanctuary (Protected area) 

• Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve 

• Namdapha Tiger Reserve 

• Sessa Orchid Sanctuary 

• Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary

Important Festivals 

• Tawang Festival

• Solung, Losar

• Torgya

• Dree

• Murung

• Chalo Loku